If you're looking for retro sounds, you usually can't go wrong with the latest releases by the Bomp and Alive labels, and the self-titled debut full-length by
the Milky Ways is no different. Although released in 2006, the album wouldn't have been exactly out of place in 1966. Sounding like it was recorded in a basement studio (or a garage with microphones strewn about),
the Milky Ways' debut automatically brings to mind such classic '60s garage rockers as
the Sonics, back when the charisma and personality of the tunes and live performances were the most important thing, not ProTools twiddling. Comprised of members that have previously been spotted in obscure outfits (
the Spaceshits,
the Del-Gators,
Les Sexareenos), the fun-seeking quartet can sure cook up one heck of a racket, as evidenced by such lo-fi standouts as the album opening "Shattered" (not to be confused with
the Rolling Stones song of the same name) and
the Yardbirds-ish "Got My Mojo Back." Despite hailing from the great white north (Montreal, to be exact),
the Milky Ways' is straight out of '60s Detroit. ~ Greg Prato